A Cut Above

I have said it more times than I can count, "Peter is my favorite disciple of the 12." It's not because he because the leader of the church; it's because he is so boldly himself and often messes it up. From the beginning of Peter's journey, he steps out and doesn't appear to think twice about it.

Peter is also an incredible example of being a work in progress. After 3.5 years with Jesus, he still acts on impulse at the end. Take, for example, when he's with Jesus in the garden. According to Mark, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him to deal with his anxiety about what was about to happen. After the disciples fell asleep, then woke back up, the guards came to arrest Jesus, and Peter responded dramatically.

"Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest's slave. But Jesus said to Peter, 'Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?'" –John 18:10-11 NLT

Jesus still has to teach Peter because he's a work in progress still. He hasn't become the person he's supposed to be yet, but he's getting there. Jesus hasn't dismissed him or even considered him a lost cause. Even though he knows Peter is about to deny him, Jesus still sees Peter as the church's future.

We must see ourselves and others as a work in progress. We can't get upset if someone isn't moving fast enough in their spiritual growth; that speed isn't for us to decide. What is up to us is our journey. Every day should be a small step forward in spiritual growth, even if that's a baby step.